How to Make Your HOA’s Entryway Pop

One of the first things that people see when they enter your community is your monument sign and the landscaping around it. A beautiful entryway can really set your community apart and provide a welcoming feel to homeowners and guests. One of the most cost effective ways to help your community’s entry stand out is by periodically updating your flower beds. The tips below were provided by ALCA. Check out their website for more helpful resources to improve your neighborhood’s landscaping.

• Timing is critical; planting too early may be stressful to winter annuals, leading to diseases and
  potentially death. Discuss ideal planting times with your nurseryman or landscape professional.
• Garden prep is important: Add 3-4” of organic material or garden soil to help create a moist,
  fertile growing environment. Till 8-12” into garden.
• Select plants that are large enough to plant yet have not become root bound (matted or circling
  roots around root ball.)
• Ideally, look for plants with a good number of flower buds which have not yet opened.
• Look outside your comfort zone: delphinium, hollyhock, poppies and bulbs can make nice
  complements to the traditional flowers used in beds.
• Perennials can make great options in bed including salvia varieties, roses and even grasses.
• Don’t shy away from flowerless plants; colorful foliage can add texture and interest to your
  flowerbeds. Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’ is a great option!
• Get wild with the ‘Sunfinity’ sunflower which provides season-long flowers for floral
  arrangements.
• Dianthus is often underused but available in many varieties with season-long white, pink and
  purple flowers for 14-20” in height.
• Besides the traditional Geranium, there are some varieties with showy foliage to add another
  dimension in your show-stopping bed.
• It is best to wait until temperatures are consistently below 100 degrees to help reduce heat and
  transplant stress.
• Water plants daily for the first few days after planting and then water according to
  weather conditions at your site. Soil should not dry out below 1” but should not ever be soggy or
  saturated.
• Be creative with your design, break a few rules- no one is judging for planting an orange
  next to a pink.

Happy planting, and be sure to let us know if your valley HOA needs an expert community manager who can coordinate improving your community’s landscaping.

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